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The Car-Makers of Cowley
14 November 2025 @ 2.30am to 4.00pm
About The Car-Makers of Cowley
This seminar is one of a new six-part event series taking place this autumn, hosted by Oxford University’s Community History Hub. The events will showcase a range of innovative local historical projects run by, or in partnership with, community historians.
Participants will learn about the latest new research being conducted on Oxfordshire’s diverse histories, as well as gain new skills that could help shape personal project ideas.
On 14 November, participants will hear a talk by Maurice East (local historian) and Prof Rob Iliffe (University of Oxford) about ‘The Car-Makers of Cowley’ project. This project is a new joint community-university initiative to document, preserve, and share the multi-faceted history of the local car-making industry, centered around the former Morris car plant in Cowley, which is today the home of ‘MINI’.
Attendees will hear about the rise of the original Morris and Pressed Steel factories in the early twentieth century, the turbulent years of militant industrial action in Cowley during the British Leyland era of the 1960s–80s, and the ways in which the car industry transformed Oxford through new housing developments, migration, and a surge of new vehicles.
The project team also invites participants to share their stories and contributions for inclusion in a new digital archive being developed over the next year. This free, publicly accessible website will showcase local histories, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more and provide feedback at the event.
Those with personal or family connections to the car plant are especially encouraged to attend, though all with an interest in Oxford’s automotive past are welcome.
The event is free and everyone is welcome, but please note that the number of spaces available is limited, so do book in advance. If you have any questions about the event, you are welcome to contact Dr Priya Atwal (Community History Fellow) via email at priya.atwal@history.ox.ac.uk.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
Free event
Dates and times:
Friday 14 November 2025 at 2.30pm
Running time:
1 hour 30 minutes
About Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.
The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.
